American Family
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The Changing Face of the American Family
Fifty years ago, the American family consisted of two married parents who were usually of the same ethnic background and their children. Times have definitely changed. Today, children are being raised in households with every type of family unit imaginable.
Interracial relations have become more commonplace than they were a few years ago. The children that are a result of these relationships do not have to deal with the problems and challenges that were faced by ethnically mixed children of the past. That does not mean that they have no problems at all, however. Teaching your child to embrace and celebrate their race can help build their self esteem and help them to feel as though they “fit in” with other children.
Unfortunately, divorce has also become more commonplace in today’s society. Some researchers estimate that 80% of all homes are headed by a single parent, usually the mother. This situation can be extremely difficult for children, especially little boys, who need a male role model in their lives. If you are divorced and do not have custody of your children, you should try to remain as involved in your children’s lives as you can.
You and your ex spouse should also agree not to talk negatively about each other in front of the children. This can lead to the children to feel hostile towards the absent parent.
Another type of American family that is becoming more common is couples who choose to live together without marriage. Many of these couples claim that they are happier than their married counterparts as they stay in the relationship because they want to, not because they feel as though they have to. Some of these partners have been together for years and share a good relationship with their children. When asked, most of these couples state that they are married as far as they are concerned. The children that are growing up in this type of family unit do not seem to be detrimentally affected by these circumstances.
More American families consist of a grandparent who is raising her grandchildren. For one reason or another, the child’s own parents cannot raise their children. To prevent their grandchildren from entering the foster care system, the grandparent steps in as the main provider. This situation can cause a number of difficulties. A retired grandparent may need to go back to work in order to financially support her grandchildren. These older individuals may not have the stamina that is required in caring for these youngsters. This type of family also destroys any normal grandparent/grandchild bonding as the grandparent is no longer a trusted friend but is now an authority figure.
Not quite as common are children that are being raised by same-sex parents. As gay marriages continue to be legalized in more and more states, this type of family may occur more often. This type of situation will create its own set of problems, including custody issues if one parent leaves or dies unexpectedly. There will need to be new legislature passed to deal with the issues of children in a same-sex family unit.
The traditional American family is becoming a thing of the past. To help your children deal with the issues that pertain to your type of family, you may need to talk to a family therapist or other type of family professional.
About the Author
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Do you feel that the feminist movement had an adverse affect on the general make-up of the American Family?
The affects of the American family have had adverse affects since the feminist movement. I can’t say that it is the only reason, but it is strongly related. I would like to know how other people feel about this theory. We live an era of change and with that two people in the work force is almost a necessity. But, I feel that American women entered into this prematurely. Since, the feminist movement there has been an increase in divorce rates, juvenile delinquency, juvenile drug abuse, etc. Granted the econonmy is one factor, but an even greater factor is the unconstant parental control that is exerted due to parents having no time to discipline correctly. We just don’t scare our children anymore. Our presence is not guaranteed because of our hectic schedules and a one person militia is just as effective as a two person army.
Yes, I believe feminism hindered far more than it benefited. The obvious benefits of feminism is it gained women the right to vote and own property, (the later of which they did anyway, though not on paper perhaps).
However, the feminist movement has ignited envy and competition between fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters. It has created a paranoia between the sexes. Men blame any success of women on political correctness. Women blame any success of men on chauvinism. Neither sex can trust the other. Both sexes have, practically, divided into teams. Men defended men against accusations against them, while women do the same for women.
Ironically, even the “benefits” feminism has brought women have caused a burden. Since men have been raised to suppress any natural masculine affection toward women, chivalry has all but been destroyed in the public. Women are now raising children alone more than ever. Rape has steadily been increasing all over the world. Abortion, though has declined the last few years, kills over 1.3 unborn children every single year. Women, despite education, have been belittled to sex toys and conveniences.
Can all this be blamed on the feminist founders? Hardly, they were but average women making average mistakes. Everyone has hindsight, no one has foresight, (in relation to time).
An American Family – Part 1 – 1/10
